A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Joe Igbokwe, has reacted to the killing of Mrs. Debbie Olakunbi Monsurat Adene, describing the incident as a painful reminder of the dangers posed by misplaced trust and weak domestic security arrangements.
Igbokwe, in a Facebook post, said the murder of the Kitchen Country CEO exposed the vulnerabilities many successful individuals face from people within their immediate circle.
“The brutal murder of Mrs. Debbie Olakunbi Monsurat Adene serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in domestic security and the devastating consequences of misplaced trust,” he wrote.
He noted that the death of the businesswoman, who was said to be prominent in Akure, resonated beyond Ondo State and raised concerns over internal betrayal.
According to him, the incident occurred in July 2024, shortly after the deceased celebrated her 54th birthday.
“The incident unfolded in July 2024, transitioning from a milestone celebration to a crime scene in less than a week. Mrs. Debbie celebrated her 54th birthday, an event that unfortunately drew the fatal attention of her employees,” he stated.
He added that she was later found dead in her residence on Oda Road, Akure.
“She was found in a pool of blood, having succumbed to a brutal physical assault involving blunt force and sharp objects,” he wrote.
Igbokwe said investigations by the Ondo State Police Command allegedly identified the deceased’s driver, Ojo Kolawole, as the mastermind, while her personal security guard was also accused of conspiring in the attack.
“Ojo Kolawole, the driver, was identified as the mastermind who orchestrated the attack, while the security guard conspired with him to facilitate entry and execution,” he said.
The APC chieftain said the motive behind the killing was based on the suspects’ belief that the celebrant had received a large amount of cash gifts during her birthday celebration.
“The most harrowing aspect of the case was the motive. It wasn’t born out of a long-standing grudge, but rather a grossly inflated perception of wealth,” he said.
He added that although the suspects reportedly stole her phone and ATM card, they found far less money than expected.
“While they did steal her phone and her ATM, the mountain of cash they envisioned was largely non-existent. The ATM had only ₦60,000, making the loss of life even more senseless,” Igbokwe wrote.
He further said the tragedy should trigger national reflection on domestic staff screening, security consciousness, and the risks associated with public displays of wealth.
“The death of the Kitchen Country CEO sparked a national conversation on several critical fronts, including vetting domestic staff, background checks for drivers and guards, and how public celebrations can inadvertently signal wealth to those with criminal intent,” he added.
Mrs. Debbie Olakunbi Monsurat Adene, the Chief Executive Officer of Kitchen Country, was reportedly murdered in her Akure home in July 2024.
Her death generated outrage and renewed calls for stronger personal security measures, particularly for business owners and high-profile individuals.
